Arsenal players were given an opportunity to ‘hit’ Mikel Arteta in training for one special reason

Add as preferred source on Google

Mikel Arteta put his Arsenal players through the paces in training ahead of their game against Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

The Gunners picked up a well-deserved win over the Eagles in the EFL Cup midweek. Gabriel Jesus scored a brilliant hat-trick to send Arsenal through to the semi-final of the competition.

Arteta was a happy man after that game, but the Spaniard needs his side to get back to winning ways in the Premier League. They’ve drawn each of their last two fixtures – first against Fulham and then when Everton came to town last weekend.

In training on Friday, the focus was on the game, but there was some time for everyone to celebrate a very happy occasion.

Why Arsenal players were allowed to ‘hit’ Mikel Arteta in training

Arteta is often seen as a disciplinarian, but he has been seen having a lot of fun with his players at the Sobha Realty Training Centre as well.

The Arsenal manager often sets challenges to his players to get the best out of them in training. Those who lose are often given light-hearted punishments too.

From Gabriel Magalhaes buying everyone breakfast to three players including William Saliba forced to do press-ups, we’ve seen it all over the years.

Arteta has also established a ritual of sorts to celebrate certain things. Ethan Nwaneri was slapped on his back by Arsenal teammates after he made his Champions League debut recently.

On Friday, it was Arteta’s turn.

The Spaniard completed five years in charge of the club. It is an achievement worth celebrating, and everyone on the training ground – players and coaching staff – made Arteta go through the tunnel, where he was slapped on the back.

“No, I’ve already done the tunnel, everybody hit me hard,” Arteta revealed in his press conference when asked if he was going to celebrate his fifth anniversary in the team hotel.

Everyone in the press room burst out laughing.

What Mikel Arteta simply has to do after five years at Arsenal

Arteta has truly transformed Arsenal over the last five years. He is the reason why the Gunners are challenging for big trophies again.

Yes, the Spaniard has got a few things wrong over the years – he will be the first one to admit that. But nobody else would’ve done as good a job as he has at the helm at the Emirates.

Arsenal fans should be really grateful to Arteta for everything he has done over the last five years. Now, it’s time for the next step.

Arteta has to lead Arsenal to big trophies. They are arguably the best-placed side in the country to dominate the Premier League for the next five years.

Things haven’t completely gone to plan so far this season, but we think Arsenal are still in the mix and have what it takes to go all the way in the coming months.